Former CSU star Janay DeLoach is heading to London, and the entire community is invited to a sendoff for the first-time Olympian.

DeLoach, a three-time All-American and volunteer coach for the Rams, qualified for the 2012 Summer Games in London by finishing third in the long jump at the U.S. Olympic Trials. The public is invited to send her off in style at 4:30 p.m. Friday at CSU's Glenn Morris Field House.

In addition to DeLoach, CSU track coach Brian Bedard and assistant Tim Cawley, her personal coach, will speak. Refreshments will be served; the event is free and open to all fans.

Top medal contender

DeLoach, 26, had a career-best jump of 23 feet, 2¾ inches at the U.S. Trials and will enter the Olympics as one of the world's top-ranked contenders.

DeLoach graduated from CSU in 2008, then earned a master's degree. She burst on the international scene in 2011 when she won the U.S Indoor Championships, and she repeated as champion earlier this year before finishing second at the World Indoor Championships.

Lone Ram in Olympics

DeLoach is the only athlete with CSU ties competing in the Games, which begin July 25 with the Opening Ceremony. DeLoach will be among the last athletes to compete, with the women's long jump preliminary round Aug. 7 and finals the following day.